VATICAN CITY, April 16: Roman Catholic cardinals destroyed the late Pope John Paul’s ring and seal on Saturday in a symbolic end to his authority before secluding themselves from the world to elect his successor.

The cardinals will begin their conclave on Monday, and the Vatican said smoke would pour from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel twice a day to tell the world whether or not a new pope had been elected.

At Saturday’s meeting the cardinals watched an ancient ritual marking the transition between two popes — the destruction of John Paul’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and his lead seal, two symbols of his authority.

During John Paul’s 26-year pontificate and his many trips across the world, countless pilgrims kissed the gold signet ring.

At 1430 GMT on Monday, the 115 cardinals under the age of 80 with the right to choose a new pope will file in solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, with its Michelangelo frescoes, where voting takes place. They come from 52 nations.

The cardinals will hold up to four ballots a day until they elect the 265th pontiff in the 2,000-year history of the Church.

—Reuters